This is me (Cilantro) running my first race ever. It was slightly shorter than a 100k.

This isn’t going to be a sappy post about how ultramarathon training is testing my limits and shows me that my body is capable of so much more than I thought it was, although it definitely has done both. No, instead this post is about why ultramarathons are the best kind of races for a runner like me.

Read: slow, kind of lazy, and injury-prone.

A couple weeks ago after completing a 24 miler, I switched to the 100k instead of the 50k for my next race, the END-SURE Ultra on March 29. I mean, it was only $25 more to do the 100k, and I really wanted the finisher prize.

I’m kidding. I don’t even think there is a finisher prize. But it wasn’t only because of the mere 25 bucks, it was also because I’m crazy (you’re thinking this, I’m sure). But the training plans for a 50-miler and a 100k are the same; by March 29, I will be antsy to get some racing in after four pretty-solid months of training, so I decided to go for it.

And now I’ve got less than three weeks until my first 100k, and while I should be scared out of my mind (I am), I am mostly excited. Scared beyond belief and panic will come, but right now I’m just stoked. And happy I have two legs that will carry me on my crazy journey. And glad I have two months with no morning commitments so I can train at will. And grateful that my gym hasn’t kicked me off my 4-hour treadmill training runs yet.

I have good and bad runs, but overall, I love ultramarathon training, ultramarathoners and ultramarathons! Here is why:

2. Cool people: I’ve met amazing people at marathons and some of the coolest people I know run marathons., but I’ve also met my fair share of major jerks at marathons. You know them: the ones decked out in brand new tech gear who jostle to the front of the starting line, groan about a “slow” 8 minute mile pace and make snarky comments about people who walk in a marathon. Those people don’t exist in the ultra world (or they are far and few between). Instead, they are for real awesome people who are supportive, willing to give you tips, pass around you on the trails and are mostly Democrats. I really like Democrats. And ultrarunners. Oh, and unless they are the very best, most ultrarunners walk a little in every race. That’s my kind of runner.

3. Trails: Although I’m stuck on the treadmill until the arctic North Dakota weather thaws, ultramarathons often take place in the most beautiful places in the world. And when April hits, you better believe I’ll be logging all of my miles in the great trails that surround Grand Forks. Roads are for cars, people.

Running the trails at Turtle River State Park

4. Bragging rights: I’m not going to lie to you here, I like to tell people that I ran a lot. Silly? Sure. But it’s got to feel good to know (and tell people, if they ask) that you ran more in a day than they probably drove. And that cocky marathoner (referred to above)? Even he might be impressed…

Now, this doesn’t mean that I am not going to be participating in any marathons. In fact, I love the marathon. The distance is perfect and I’ve still got a BQ hiding in me somewhere (I’m sure of it). But when it comes right down to it, ultramarathon training is where it’s at!

What is your favorite distance to race? Is it different than your favorite distance to train for?

Like this:

6 Responses to “Ultra Training Has Stolen My Heart”

I love Democrats too! Interesting question about your favorite race being different than favorite training distance. That applies to me, sort of. I’ve loved the two marathons I’ve done, but didn’t love the training. Shorter, faster training runs get my pumped up, but when I know it’s a long run, let the dread begin.

This post!!! Yes!!! I always tell my really good friends that ultras (ok, I’ve only done 50ks) are easier than marathons. I just brag to everyone else without telling them my secret feeling that they’re easy. Why easy? I throw the time goal pressure out the window because terrain and weather make every race totally different. I love that I can’t really compare and so less urge to PR. I love the freedom to walk or stop for a pbj at the aid stations. I love the stories people tell during the race about ridiculously epic runs. I love ultras because it’s just me, some fellow crazy runner types, and an epic adventure.

Our Team:

Recovering corporate hamster-wheeler turned Alaskan hausfrau, mother of two and running enthusiast. Kind of a June Cleaver in tempo shorts...minus the makeup and vacuum. Will run to great lengths to get a moment of peace.

Trail and 100 mile ultra runner who still loves a good road marathon every now and then. Lifetime Northeast Ohio resident that dreams of the mountains out west, but loves CLE too much. Sometimes a vegan, sometimes does yoga, always loves a good craft beer and post race donuts.

An ultrarunning gal from sunny South Africa... I'm a mummy of two kiddos under 5, wife, runner (and attorney) from the balmy shores of South Africa. Although I am definitely a mid-packer I have the soul and aspirations of an elite athlete, sadly without the pedigreed legs! But every day I dream and work towards loftier goals... maybe a sub 20 5k to start?

Trail and adventure enthusiast who started on the roads and won't give up my 5:30 am road runs with my neighborhood posse, including my husband. Girl who swears like a sailor but not when she's teaching Sunday School. Self-employed, primarily working for Clif Bar and Company. Eight 100 mile race finishes with five top 3 placements.

16 year veteran of running who follows the sport like a tailgating former high school quarterback follows the Browns every Sunday. My claim to fame was being the quote of the day on the front page of Letsrun.com back in 2013, quite possibly the slowest runner ever to hold such an honor. I train often with my superstar boyfriend who has hopes of running in the Olympic Trials. When I am not running or cross training, I work in the mental health industry, specializing in employee assistance programming.

Salty Running boss and mother of 3 little ones. I love to write about racing strategy, mental training and fitting in a serious running habit with the rest of a busy life. Currently training to kick off my masters career with a bang!

Re-transplanted Hoosier new to the running game. A single gal trying to navigate the waters to gain better health and fitness, all the while playing Mom to four fur children, belly dancing, fire dancing, and now running. Did I mention I love chocolate?

I'm a Canadian and contented midpacker minimalist who's striving to reach the top third of the pack. A masters runner who found the sport later in life, a community activist and I'm a writer also known as the madscribbler who bikes to work.

Travel-loving gypsy-at-heart, married to a handsome engineer with a job that keeps us on the move. When I'm not reading, running, or drinking tea I'm a nonprofit development writer. Proud owner of a Type-B personality but experimenting with some very Type-A goals as I learn the ins 'n outs of competitive racing.

Cinnamon is a 34 year old mid-packer who works in TV production; most of her training is in pursuit of a BQ. Her writing is an eclectic mix of reflections on sports science, reactions to the body's limitations, satirical humor pieces and more.

An environmental consultant with a passion for running and its many facets including marathons, pacing, ultras and more. Chronic left side issues have me cycling more than running these days but I still think fondly of my recent efforts to be sub-elite.

Mom of three kiddos and a black lab, running enthusiast, doctor, trainer and coach with a love of the science and sport of running and all things related. Owner of Run Strong Studio, it's my mission in life to help other runners train as healthy and happily as possible. I live in Brookline, MA and when I'm not in my minivan I can be found out on the roads, track or trails or on the floor with my foam roller.

I eat miles for breakfast, or occasionally for a snack later in the day. Self proclaimed 50+ and fabulous poster child, US Army vet, college professor, avid runner, yoga enthusiast, guest columnist, and I've used Olay since I was 17 so they should use me in at least one of their ads!

Southern-transplant lass who loves 90s boy bands, outdoor adventures and college basketball, although not necessarily in that order. After cracking the 4 hour marathon mark, I'm hoping to run a Boston Qualifying time!

I equally enjoy hitting the trails or the pavement, and I love running hills of all terrain. Yes, you read that correctly. When I'm not grading essays, writing, or tinkering in my kitchen, you'll find me training for my next 5K or preparing for a triathlon.